Interchangeable system and method of attachment for helmet accessories

ABSTRACT

Abstract: A system and method for attaching and interchanging accessories to helmets and other surfaces featuring hard exteriors is described. One illustrative embodiment is a system comprised of two pairings; One pairing ( 22 ) comprised of an adhesive tape ( 12 ) adhered on alternate sides to a magnet ( 14 ) and helmet ( 10 ) or similar hard surface area. The second pairing ( 24 ) comprised of adhesive tape ( 18 ) adhered on alternate sides to magnet ( 16 ) or ferromagnetic material and accessory ( 26 ) of variable shape, form, and composition; Individual pairings constructed such that pairings can be magnetically attached to each other with tapes ( 12 ) and ( 18 ) laying distal to the point of magnetic attraction. Respective pairings can be removed or replaced without limit utilizing principles of magnetic attraction. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/506,340, filed Jul. 11, 2011 by the present inventor.

BACKGROUND Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 5,525,290 1996 Jun. 11 Carpenter 6,101,636 2000 Aug. 15 Williams 6,175,963 B1 2001 Jan. 23 Loeffelholz 6,237,162 B1 2001 May 29 Gill 6,718,559 B1 2004 Apr. 13 Davidson 6,848,122 B1 2005 Feb. 01 Meeds 7,114,198 B1 2006 Oct. 03 Hsieh et al 2008/006110 A1 2008 Mar. 13 Schmelzer et al D625,052 2010 Oct. 05 Mastoras et al

Helmet users have long viewed their helmets as representations and extensions of their self identity. As a result, users have traditionally sought to decorate or embellish their helmets as demonstrations of self expression. This has taken several manifestations. One example is buying pre-designed or readymade helmets that suit their tastes and preferences with regard to shape, form, and design. In addition, a popular modification has been the utilization of small adhesive stickers that are permanently affixed to localized areas on the exterior surface of helmets. Due to the fact that helmets are constructed with a mostly curved surface area and are constantly exposed to various natural outdoor elements, further embellishment of helmets has proven to be a challenging environment.

Carpenter in U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,290 (1996) devised a method of affixing a decorative plastic sheet across the entire surface area of a helmet. A significant limitation of this and smaller adhesive stickers is a lack of a three-dimensional decorative aspect.

Manufacturers and inventors have sought to remedy this limitation by designing products with three dimensional qualities. U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,636 (2000) to Williams is an example whereby the inventor describes a technique of permanently molding a large decorative three dimensional element onto the helmets using an epoxy adhesive.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,198 (2006) to Hsieh et al mainly claim a patent on the design of helmet adornments themselves. It is asserted that their designs could be attached using any method of attachment which could include “double sided tape, Velcro, or glue.” The method or means of attachment and detachment are not specified. In the claim, they also state that it is preferable (but not necessary) that the mechanism allows for removal of the decorative component. Further, Hsieh et al fail to demonstrate how decorative elements can be removed and presumably replaced using hook and loop as is asserted in one of the claims since hook and loop do not ordinarily attach to any materials without a bonding agent or action. Hsieh et al fail to demonstrate and claim the invention of an interchangeable system. Additionally hook and loop combinations readily pick up lint and other substances when not continually covered which limits the appeal of such a means of attachment. While this fact can decrease the attractiveness of the helmet it also decreases the fastening effectiveness over time. Lastly, hook and loop fasteners also lose their fastening effectiveness when exposed to water and through repeated removal and replacement.

Meeds in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,122 describes a way of attaching decorative covers to helmets that can be removed and replaced using elastic bands. While this does allow for removal and replacement of the same decorative element only, the size of the cover limits orientation on the helmet to the original placement.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2008/006110 (2008), Schmelzer et al describe a method of attachment of decorative elements through existing holes in wearable items. This locking mechanism was designed to pass through objects with far less thickness than bike, skate, snow, push scooter, construction, and motorcycle helmets. Additionally, the fact that not all helmets contain air vent holes is a limiting improvement. Furthermore, the inside connection of their device would have to rest against the user's head which could induce discomfort.

Lastly, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,963 (2001), Loeffelholz discloses a method of detachably securing emblems to articles of clothing employing combinations of magnetically attractive elements. It is detailed that one half of the magnetic pairings be affixed discreetly so as to not affect the cosmetics of the article of clothing in one of three locations: into the fabric or material of the attire so as to be unnoticeable, between layers of fabric or inside a specially designed pocket of fabric, or directly onto the inner surface of the attire.

Systems requiring the attachment of components on the interior surfaces of wearable items suffer from several drawbacks. They require a flat, continuous, and preferably smooth surface to bond the interior connecting device. Whereas the interior surfaces of safety helmets are characterized by foam, head cushions, and air vents of varied sizes, placement, and depths. Alternatively, they require the user to perform a second step such as sewing a patch or pocket and the additional difficulty of finding a suitable location to attach the patch or pocket on an interior surface of the helmet. This lies outside the skill set of a typical user.

Moreover, systems requiring magnetic attachment through a wearable item cannot be employed universally to helmets of varied thicknesses. Additionally, the attachment of devices to the interior surface of a helmet could create discomfort and safety issues for users when they rub or impact the user's head during usage. Lastly, the attractiveness of a magnet is a subjective matter. Loeffelholz devised a system that required the placement of magnets in non-visible locations so as to not adversely affect the appearance of the attire. In the more than eleven years since this patent was granted, fashion trends have changed. There is now a preponderance of athletes, entertainers, and public figures that wear and advertise magnetic jewelry and clothing for cosmetic and purported health and performance based claims. Hiding the magnet detracts from this new trend.

The aforementioned inventions suffer from the following limitations and disadvantages:

-   -   (a) Their decorative components are strictly two dimensional.     -   (b) Prior inventions require three dimensional accessories to be         permanently molded to helmets at the factory level.     -   (c) The difficulties of attaching and ensuring a durably lasting         attachment of variably sized and shaped accessories to curved         surface areas of helmets have not been addressed.     -   (d) Decorative covers are manufactured in such ways that they         can only be positioned in singular orientations on the helmets.         They do not allow users to place accessories wherever they wish.     -   (e) Prior inventions do not allow accessories to be         interchangeably repositioned across the surface area of helmets.     -   (f) Hook and loop fasteners loose fastening effectiveness in wet         conditions.     -   (g) Hook and loop fasteners loose fastening effectiveness         through repeated attachment and detachment events.     -   (h) Previous methods of attachment of accessories to wearable         articles were not made to pass through helmets which can be         several inches thick.     -   (i) Previous methods of attaching accessorizing components to         wearable articles or helmets incorporated glues, epoxies, or         hook and loop only.     -   (j) Previous methods of attachment require the user to access         both sides of a wearable item to attach or remove decorative         components, thereby necessitating the removable of a helmet.     -   (k) Previous methods of attachment require the attachment of         accessories that come in contact with the user during usage.         Such use could lead to discomfort and safety issues.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment a system allowing for incorporation and interchangeability of accessories to helmets and other hard surfaces.

ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several advantages of one or more aspects allow that: construction and alteration of two and three-dimensional helmet accessory layouts and design take place at the end user level, alterations can be tailored to meet the time permanence desired by the user, and the customization method of helmets accounts for structural traits embodied in helmets or in their outdoor use that make helmets difficult to accessorize. These and other advantages and improvements will be evident in the ensuing drawings and descriptions.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B show the construction of magnetic-adhesive pairings.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the system.

FIG. 3A shows the front view of a helmet acting as a host for a sample layout of base pairings.

FIG. 3B shows the front view of a helmet incorporating changes made to the layout of base pairings.

FIG. 4A shows a front view of an adorned accessory layout.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of a helmet with interchanged accessories on the unchanged layout illustrated in 4A.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the interchangeable system.

FIG. 6 shows additional embodiments of the interchangeable system.

FIG. 7 shows additional embodiment of hook and loop system.

Drawings- Reference Numerals 10 helmet 12 double-sided foam adhesive tape 14 magnet 16 magnet 18 double-sided foam adhesive tape 20 magnetic polar attraction 22 base pairings 24 accessory pairing 26 accessory (example) 28 accessory (example) 30 accessory (example) 32 accessory (example) 34 accessory (example) 36 accessory (example) 38 hook adhesive tape 40 loop adhesive tape

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1A, 2-5—FIRST EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of this disclosure, a magnet or magnetic material is defined as a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself; a ferromagnetic body is defined as material that is attracted by a magnet; a magnetically attractive element may be either a magnet or a ferromagnetic body; and a non-magnetic body is defined as material that is not attracted by a magnet.

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of the system. The system comprises two magnets 14 and 16 and two adhesive tapes 12 and 18 of identical composition. Magnets 14 and 16 have two sides, each having North and South polarity on opposing sides. A single pairing of magnet 14 or 16 with respectively foam tape 12 or 18 comprises one half of the system.

In the preferred embodiment, magnets 14 and 16 are permanent magnets and tapes 12 and 18 are pressure sensitive double-sided adhesive foam tapes. Also in the preferred embodiment, the foam of tapes 12 and 18 are viscoelastic, having both shear reducing and elastic properties. Thus, the foams readily conform to variably curved surfaces while simultaneously allowing bonds that resist natural forces or those produced by movement. These foam tapes 12 and 18 can be made of acrylic or neoprene.

FIGS. 2 and 5 (side view) show a helmet 10, having a hard exterior shell, with a completed system functioning as a means of attachment for helmet accessories. Construction utilizing the aforementioned described methods results in the completion of two pairings. Each pairing is comprised of foam tape permanently joined with a magnet.

One pairing of tape 12 with magnet 14 shall be designated the base pairing 22 and can be joined with any part of the exterior surface of helmet 10 using the unattached adhesive side on tape 12. This construction acts as a host for the second construction formed by accessory pairing 24 and an accessory 26 (FIG. 2) or 36 (FIG. 5).

The accessory pairing 24 can be formed by joining foam tape 18 and magnet 16. This pairing can be joined with any accessory 26-36. The conforming nature of the foam allows for maximum contact of adhesive to the posterior side of an accessory thereby assuring a strong bond.

FIG. 2 demonstrates the preferred embodiment of the system where the accessory pairing 24 is embedded in and attached to the accessory 26 in a cavity in the underside of the accessory 26. This allows the accessory 26 to attach to the accessory pairing 24 and base pairing 22 and ultimately to the helmet 10 in a lower profile position as it extends vertically away from helmet 10.

Accessories 26-36 can be composed of any substrate and can be ferromagnetic and non-magnetic bodies. Some examples of potential substrates could include rubber, silicone, metals, alloys, plastic, acrylic, epoxies, fabrics, or combinations thereof. Decorative and functional accessories can take on any shape or form to appeal to different styles, tastes, and desired usage.

In FIG. 3A (front view), a sample layout is shown. Users define a given layout through the placement of one or more of base pairings 22. A plurality of locations of base pairing 22 across the surface area of helmet 10 are shown and indicated by designations 22 a-d. A plurality of base pairings can be attached with position, spacing, and quantity of base pairings being defined by the end user.

FIG. 3B illustrates a modification of the layout previously defined in FIG. 3A. The layout is altered or customized by the addition of base pairings (22 e-g) and removal of base pairings (22 a-d) from helmet 10.

FIG. 4A shows a front view of a sample base pairing layout on helmet 10. Pluralities of base pairings have been positioned in various locations on the exterior surface area of helmet 10. In addition, some of the base pairings have been utilized as attachment mechanisms for decorative and functional accessories 26-34. Two base pairings 22 a and 22 d have remained unadorned.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the base pairing layout has remained unchanged as that shown in FIG. 4A. There are no additions or subtractions of base pairings. However, the appearance of the existing layout has changed. Accessories 30 and 32 have exchanged positions and accessories 28 and 34 have been repositioned downwards on the helmet to positions occupied by base pairings 22 a (FIG. 4A) and 22 d (FIG. 4A) respectively. Accessory 26 has been removed leaving its base pairing 22 e intact.

Operation—FIGS. 1A, 2-4

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2, one half of the pairing is constructed by applying human pressure on either side of the foam tape 12 to the South polarity side of magnet 14 to create base pairing 22 (FIG. 2). The second half of the pairing shall be constructed by similarly adhering either side of foam tape 18 with the North polarity side of magnet 16 to create the accessory pairing 24 (FIG. 2).

A correctly constructed system is completed if and only when these two pairings 22 and 24 can be joined together utilizing scientific principles of magnetic polar attraction. This is accomplished by bringing pairings 22 and 24 within an approximate distance of one inch of each other. Polar attraction will pull the two pairings together forming a magnetic bond if the adjacent faces of magnets 14 and 16 are of opposite magnetic polarity. This force of attraction is identified by 20. A correctly constructed system is further evidenced when the two magnets of opposite poles 14 and 16 attach together via polar attraction and their two foam tape layers 12 and 18 lie distal to the magnetic point of attachment.

A base pairing 22 (FIG. 2) can be attached to helmets by applying firm pressure between base pairing 22 and helmet 10 in such a manner that the unattached side of tape 12 of base pairing 22 makes direct contact with the surface area of helmet 10. This bond can occur at any curved or flat position on the exterior surface area of helmet 10. The conforming nature of the foam tape 12 allows for maximum contact between foam adhesive and helmet 10 thus ensuring a strong bond. Base pairings can be removed by peeling the tape 12 (FIG. 2) from the surface of the helmet 10 (FIG. 2).

The unattached adhesive side of the accessory pairing 24 can be permanently attached inside a cavity on the posterior side of any accessory 26 designed for decorative or functional use by positioning the unattached side of tape 18 of the accessory pairing 24 directly in contact with the posterior side of the accessory 26 and applying firm hand or finger pressure to join them.

The manner of usage of the system is identical across all base layout configurations. An illustration is shown in FIG. 3A. A user is free to position a plurality of base pairings 22 at locations of their choosing across any position of the surface of helmet 10. Once the preferred base layout has been established, the user can then magnetically attach accessory pairings 24 to any available base pairing 22. Accessories 26-36 should be adhered to accessory pairings 24 previous to the connection of base pairing 22 to accessory pairing 24.

Continuing with the usage of the system, the user can also choose to reposition any accessory 26-36. The user shall grab the accessory 26-36 which has been attached to an accessory pairing 24 between two or more fingers and disengage it from the base with either a sliding motion or by pivoting the accessory 26-36 in a 90% angle away from base. Both motions should continue until magnetic forces of attraction 20 have been mitigated and the user is able to freely remove accessory 26-36 from base pairing 22. An accessory 26-36 can then be re-positioned on to any unadorned base pairing 22 that has been previously attached to the helmet.

The user may repeat the engagement and disengagement of accessory pairings 24 from base pairings 22 a multiplicity of times due to the fact that barring extreme and extraordinary conditions, magnets do not lose their magnetism.

FIG. 1B—Alternative Embodiment

An additional embodiment is shown in FIG. 1B. Whereas the North polarity side of magnet 14 connects magnetically with the South polarity side of magnet 16 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the poles are reversed in an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B. In this alternative embodiment, the side with South polarity of magnet 14 connects magnetically with the side of North polarity of magnet 16. All other functions and operations are identical to those with pairing constructions detailed in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5—Additional Embodiment

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, it may be desirable to have the accessory pairing 24 flush mounted to accessory 36. This would allow accessory 36 to attach to the helmet in a higher profile position as it extends vertically away from helmet 10. It would also allow the attachment of accessory pairings 24 to accessories that lack cavities in their posterior sides or allow users to display accessories with a higher profile were it so desired. The operation of the method is identical as that described above.

FIG. 6—Additional Embodiments

Additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. If an accessory 26 or 36 is made out of a ferromagnetic material, then it may be magnetically attached directly to base pairing 22. The direction of attraction is shown by arrows 20 indicating the ferromagnetic accessory 36 and 26 are attracted to magnet 14. It may be flush mounted (FIG. 6A) or mounted inside a cavity in the posterior side of accessory 26 (FIG. 6B).

FIG. 7—Additional Embodiment

Yet an additional embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. This embodiment utilizes a hook and look system to decorate and interchange accessories on helmets and hard surface areas. It is comprised of a hook tape 38 with a hook pattern on one side and a rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive backing on the reverse side and a loop tape 40. The loop tape 40 has a loop pattern on one side and the same rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive backing on the other side.

The adhesive side of hook tape 38 can be attached to helmet 10 in a plurality of positions by applying downward pressure on the hook side to affix the tape to the exterior surface of the helmet. The loop tape 40 can be affixed to the posterior side of any accessory by applying manual pressure to join the adhesive side of loop tape 40 to the posterior side of accessory 26.

In FIG. 7, loop tape 40 is joined to the bottom of accessory 26 and hook tape 38 is joined to helmet 10. Accessory 26 can then be joined to helmet 10 by matching the hook side of the accessory pairing to the loop side of tape 38. To institute the system, a plurality of segments of hook tape 38 can be positioned across the surface of the helmet and accessory 26 can be re-positioned. In addition, a plurality of accessories with loop tape 40 attached to their posterior sides can be interchanged across any position where a segment of hook tape 38 has been previously attached.

An obvious variation of this system simply involves reversing the order of attachment of the two tapes by attaching segments of hook tape 38 to a plurality of accessories and attaching a plurality of segments of loop tape 40 to various locations on the exterior surface of helmet 10. This should be conducted discretely to that of the previous construction. A consistency of construction must be maintained per each helmet of hard surface in order for interchangeability of accessories to remain possible.

Advantages

From the descriptions and operations above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my system should be evident:

-   -   (a) Users will be able to create and modify helmet accessory         layouts.     -   (b) Users will be able to create and customize the appearance         and functionality of layouts incorporating both two and three         dimensional accessories.     -   (c) The creation and customization of helmet layout can be both         permanent and temporary.     -   (d) The interchangeability of said alterations will not affect         the durability of future alterations.     -   (e) The system permits the attachment to both flat and curved         surfaces that may exist on both helmets and accessories.     -   (f) The system provides a secure bond during the course of         movement or when the helmet and system are exposed to natural         elements such as wind, rain, or extreme sunlight.

Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will see that at least one embodiment of this system provides a means and method that allows users the ability to fully participate in the customization of their helmets. It allows users the ability to create custom layouts, alter layouts, populate layouts with accessories, and to alter the look and functionality of existing accessory layout designs.

Furthermore, the system provides a method that ensures all attachments are bonded in a manner that is strong, enduring, and yet open to continual customization. It addresses traits inherent in sport and safety helmets that have made their customization difficult to undertake.

While my above descriptions above contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting in size, scope, or practice. For example, magnets while drawn as disc shaped above may take on any type, shape, or strength which suits the needs of the end user. Similarly, one embodiment described above utilizes double-sided foam tapes due to its ability to attach to non flat surfaces. A user who wishes to attach an accessory to a flat surface could attach magnets to accessories, helmets, and other surfaces using a variety of means. These means include but are not limited to glue, epoxy, a double-sided tape not featuring foam, or hook and loop in combination with glue or a double-sided tape featuring or not featuring a foam layer.

Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by specific examples given. 

I claim:
 1. A method for attaching at least one detachably secured accessory to a helmet and other hard surfaces comprising:
 2. providing a means to build a base pairing by attaching an adhesive to a magnet,
 3. providing a means to build an accessory pairing by attaching a second piece of said adhesive to a second magnet,
 4. providing a means to attach said base paring to exterior surface of said helmet to form a first construction,
 5. providing a means to attach said accessory pairing and said accessory to form a second construction, said accessory being a non-magnetic body,
 6. providing a means to attach said first construction to said second construction wherein said first construction hosts said magnetically attracted second construction, whereby said constructions can be attached at their adjacent sides of opposite polarity by magnetic attraction.
 7. A method for interchanging detachably secured accessories to helmets and other hard surfaces comprising:
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first constructions has been attached to a position or positions on the exterior surface of said helmet to form a layout and said first construction magnetically hosts said second construction,
 9. A means to manually remove said second construction and replace said second construction with a third construction comprising a second accessory pairing and a second accessory, said second accessory pairing comprised of a third piece of said adhesive and a third permanent magnet, whereby said first construction can be used to host a plurality of interchangeable accessory constructions.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said second accessory is a ferromagnetic body and said second accessory can be attached directly to said first construction.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said first magnet and said second magnets are permanent magnets each having sides of North and South polarity.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said first adhesive and said second adhesives are a double-sided adhesive tape.
 13. The adhesives of claim 13, wherein said first adhesive and said second adhesives are double-sided adhesive foam tape constructed of acrylic or neoprene.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said accessory is a magnet and said magnet is attached directly to said first construction.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said accessory is a ferromagnetic body and said accessory is attached directly to said first construction.
 16. A method for interchanging at least one detachably secured accessory to a helmet using a hook and loop system comprising:
 17. providing a means to attach a pairing comprising one half of a hook and loop tape system with a rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive backing to a helmet to host a second pairing comprising the other half of a hook and loop tape system, wherein the second half also has a rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive backing and is attached to the posterior side of an accessory using said adhesive backing,
 18. providing a means to attach the adjacent hook and loop sides together, whereby said accessory can be positioned or removed from the host pairing by means of manual force.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein a plurality of accessories can be attached to said helmet at a plurality of locations on the exterior surface of said helmet.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein said accessories can be released from the host and re-positioned to any available host pairing on the exterior surface of the helmet. 